Dave Peters directs MPR’s project on community journalism, looking for ways Minnesota residents are making their towns, cities and neighborhoods better places to live. He joined MPR News in 2009 after more than 30 years as a newspaper and online reporter and editor.

Annandale managed to get an earmark for broadband funding in legislation this year, but Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed the bill, asking for more money for rural broadband but objecting to the city’s special treatment. Read more →

New satellite data shows a decline in Minnesota’s groundwater supplies and one scientist suggests a reason in addition to irrigation pumping might be that rain is falling at different times. Read more →

The recent heavy rains have been a drought-buster, leaving Minnesota entirely drought-free for the first time in a long time. But that’s not the same thing as ending concern about the state’s groundwater, Jim Stark, director of U.S. Geological Survey in Minnesota, told MPR News’ Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition today. Aquifers — water-containing rock Read more →

University of Minnesota Extension researcher Ben Winchester identifies three demographic opportunities for rural communities: appealing to immigrants, providing new housing for aging baby boomers and attracting millenials with available housing. Read more →

The rural broadband gap persists in Minnesota, but new measures show some parts of the state making gains, partly because of federal stimulus money and partly because of other service provider improvements. Read more →